2015 Ford Expedition Limited Big Man Review By Steve Purdy

2015 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED 4X4
Review

By Steve Purdy
The Auto Channel
Michigan Bureau

Only a few full-size, 8-passenger, body-on-frame SUVs remain
available for those who need (or want) them – GM’s Suburban,
Tahoe and Yukon variants, Toyota’s Sequoia and this week’s
tester, Ford’s large, F-150-based Expedition. Lincoln also offers the
Navigator, a dressed-up version of this truck that we reviewed a few months
ago.
[http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2014/12/26/121440-2015-lincoln-navigator-big-man-review-by-steve-purdy.html]
The even bigger Excursion (F-250-based SUV) went away a few years ago. So,
this is Ford’s biggest SUV now.

Expedition gets a modest styling update for 2015 and is attractive
in a practical and unpretentious sort of way, in this critic’s humble
view. The new front fascia is distinctively Ford with a three-bar chrome
grille and wrap-around headlight bezels, but it is much less stylish than
the new F-150. From the side and rear views it is undistinguished, boxy and
purposeful. While we haven’t seen the aerodynamic numbers we can
confidently say it has a coefficient of drag just a tad better than the
side of a barn.

Inside we find nice materials in the cabin with generous seating and
reasonably simple controls. Our “Limited” includes Sync with
AppleLink apps system and MyFordTouch controlling many of the vehicles
systems. The latter continues to improve over earlier versions and with a
bit of exploring mostly makes sense. Auxiliary audio inputs are
conveniently located in the center console. Captain’s chairs can
replace the second row bench seat making it a 7-passenger SUV rather than
8.

Cargo and passenger capabilities are extraordinary. With all seats
in position we have 18.6 cubic-feet behind the third seat, 55 cubic-feet
with third seat folded and 108.3 cubic-feet with second and third rows
folded. The second row splits 40/20/40 and the third row 40/60 and they
fold nearly flat with the second row just a few inches higher than the rear
section. Seat folding mechanisms are quite easily managed and room for
third row passengers seemed better than most. Our test truck has the
optional power third seat folding system. The front passenger’s seat
does not fold. The EL (extra-long)versions of the Navigator boast cargo
volumes of 42.6, 85 and 130.8 cubic-feet. EL versions typically cost about
$2,500 extra within each trim level.

Only one powertrain is available for the nearly three-ton
Expedition, Fords wonderfully powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 mated to a
six-speed automatic transmission. The twin turbo, direct injected engine
makes a solid 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. That’s
more torque, by the way, than the outgoing V8 that powered last
year’s Expedition. The EPA rates the Expedition at 16 mpg in the
city, 22 on the highway and 18 combined using regular fuel. We managed just
15.8 mpg in our week of testing on a variety of roads.

We thought the Expedition - and the identically powered Navigator -
had plenty of grunt with that powertrain. While admittedly not towing a
heavy trailer or filling the truck with heavy cargo we found acceleration
strong from low end through full-throttle. With the standard 28-gallon fuel
tank we have a decent cruising range but a 33.5-gallon tank is available
for those who like to stop at the gas station less frequently.

Ride and handling are surprisingly good with the addition of a fully
independent rear suspension setup for 2015. For a few extra bucks you can
have a continuously controlled damping system in the rear as well. Our test
truck did not have that option. Our country roads are beginning to heave a
bit with approaching spring and the necessarily jouncy ride is accentuated
by these conditions but not unreasonably so. Steering feedback is good for
a pickup based SUV and the amazing quietness of the cabin helps make it
feel more genteel.

Our test truck is the Limited, middle of five trim levels, showing a
base price of $55,800 that includes a good level of content like power
liftgate in the rear, rain-sensing wipers, power third row seats, heated
and cooled 10-way front seats, heated second row seats, HD trailer towing
package, SYNC AppleLink, voice-activated navigation. With the optional
Rapid Spec (navigation, power moonroof and power running boards - $2,700),
the $490 blind spot detection, the 22-inch polished aluminum wheels shod
with 285/45 R22 Pirelli Scorpions ($2,100) and a steep $1,195 destination
charge, we’re looking at a bottom line of $61,815. The basic,
unadorned Expedition XLT starts at about $44,500 and top-of-the-line
Platinum Editions comes in at $62,000 without options. An extra-long (EL)
version of each trim level is available as well if you need extra cargo
space.

Properly equipped the 3-ton Navigator is able to tow over 9,200
pounds and has a GCVR of over 12,000 pounds.

Ford’s new vehicle warranty covers the Expedition for 3 years
or 36,000 miles and the powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Fortunately, we can still choose a big, luxurious SUV if we like
whether we have a big family, a big boat or neither. With each new
generation of these trucks we get more efficient powertrains and while our
modest fuel mileage does not seem anything to brag about just think what we
would expect from a normally aspirated V8 that provides the same level of
power. And, with each new generation we also get more standard electronic
stuff, infotainment, nicer materials . . . we could go on and on. This is a
segment of the market that remains very competitive and very profitable for
the manufacturers so they keep offering more and more content.

The new Ford Expedition is one you should check out if you need, or
want, something big, comfortable and classy. You’ll probably want to
add the running boards unless you are agile as a monkey.

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